Times of Tunbridge Wells 2 August 2023

ABC Cinema site development to go ahead

By Lilly Croucher

AN END to Tunbridge Wells’ most infamous eyesore is in sight, as developers have confirmed an approximate start date for construction and announced a new community artwork to smarten up the site’s hoardings.

The former ABC Cinema was closed in 2000 and demolished in 2014, but after multiple failed projects, the centrally-located plot has been neglected for over 23 years.

However, with the new developers, Retirement Villages Group (RVG), the site is set to become a £72million ‘extra care’ retirement facility of 160 new homes, known as ‘Thrive

Living’ after securing planning permission in November 2022.

Last month, RVG submitted a planning application to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) to request some small adjustments ahead of their official start date.

Adjustment

RVG told the Times that a ‘starton-site’ date for the site on Mount Pleasant Road is expected “in early 2024”.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We have made a small adjustment to the scheme to allow for an additional apartment, which is not unusual as we prepare for a

construction start date that is on track to be in early 2024.”

Also keeping an eye on developments is Cllr Hugo Pound (Labour), Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC). He told the Times: “The Council has been working closely with the [RVG] Chief Executive, Will Bax. He and I presented at a conference recently on later living, which went down very well.

Confirming the statements from RVG, Cllr Pound said: “It is our understanding, too, that RVG intends to break ground very early in 2024.”

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW: Immersion Theatre perform The Wizard of Oz on Anne Boleyn’s Walk at Hever Festival over the weekend. Despite weather-induced damage at the original theatre, the show goes on.

WEATHER

Italian business clashes with RVP over vision for Ely Court

By Victoria Roberts

A WAR of words over empty units in Royal Victoria Place’s (RVP) arcade of shops off Camden Road has revealed conflicting visions for the retail site.

Eat Italiano, run by career businessman and market trader Egidio Rosa, has opened inside the shopping centre, but the company’s real dream is to take over the entire arcade of a dozen shops, which opens into both RVP and Camden Road.

“This would be [shops like] a gelateria, coffee shop, fruit and vegetables, pizza, cooked pasta, fresh bread…” deputy director Daniel Marcu explained.

The tables which currently stand in the arcade would be replaced by market stalls creating the setting for a planned ‘Sicilian market’, he said.

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Yet Mr Rosa said: “The management at RVP is not very cooperative. Shopping centres are kaput. Management don’t have [any] idea.”

Mr Marcu told the Times that after Eat Italiano signed a lease for its shop in the upper mall last autumn, RVP management had reacted with a “lack of support” to their additional proposals.

“We asked nicely ever since for a quote on all spaces around Ely Court,” he said.

“Some of the units were under offer from November 2022 to March 2023. These spaces are still empty. We couldn’t understand it.”

He added: “Now there are some tenants there [in Ely Court], but there remain spaces.

“We asked for quotes and got some prices, but they put up some health and safety issues – for example, you cannot put a vegetable stall outside a shop because it is a fire exit.”

Confirming that Eat Italiano wanted to

lease all of the dozen units, rather than sub-letting to other businesses, Mr Marcu told the Times: “They prefer to keep things empty than to give traders something to work on. We are looking for support.

“The business environment has been very challenging. You can see for yourself how dead this place is.

Flexibility

“But we need more room for negotiation. We need more flexibility. We have a proper proposal for Ely Court. We are trying to do some business in Tunbridge Wells, but there is no support from the higher level.

“We would like to see everything done and dusted six months from now.”

Yet a spokesperson for RVP and landlord British Land told the Times: “We are in discussion with a few possible operators following the recent opening of both The Green Duck Tap Room and Even Flow [in] Ely Court.

“Our shared vision for Ely Court is to create a community of independent retailers and restauranteurs that will provide visitors to Royal Victoria Place with a vibrant hub of locally run businesses.”

Both Even Flow and Green Duck are Tunbridge Wells-based businesses.

Meanwhile, Retro Stuff has this week also relocated to Ely Court from Castle Street, off Tunbridge Wells High Street.

Independent tea house Thirsty Fish is also set to move into one of the units. British Land has placed advertising hoardings for new tenants in other windows.

The spokesperson added: “We are unable to share further details for units that are currently occupied under existing leases, or under negotiation with new possible tenants.

“We are yet to receive a formal proposal from Eat Italiano, including commercial terms or details of the plans for these available units.”

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KCC seeks to ‘save £86million’ in next year

By Grace Corcoran

INCREASED Council Taxes are one possible way the Kent County Council (KCC) could employ to save a necessary £86million over the next financial year.

The suggestion of future Council Tax increases will come as no surprise to Tunbridge Wells’ residents, who, as the Times previously reported (February 16 2023), saw an increase of 2.95 per cent on bills on April 1 2023.

However, the additional need to save £86million was identified in a report by external auditor Grant Thornton. This report was presented to councillors on July 13 at County Hall, Maidstone. It advises that “strong steps and focus” will be needed to control expenditure and maintain financial stability.

The report said: “In the absence of additional government funding, which is unlikely in the current economic climate, difficult decisions about reduced spending will be necessary in the near term.”

Peter Oakford (Conservative), Councillor for Tunbridge Wells North and Cabinet

Member for Finance, recently told the media that increasing demands for “underfunded” social care services was putting pressure on finances.

“Social care for both adults and children is severely underfunded... We have to direct money from other services into adult social care to meet our statutory responsibilities.”

Expenditure

As a result, cuts to services in areas deemed discretionary seem likely, and difficult decisions on expenditure and savings will need to be made to ensure “financial sustainability”.

The KCC report goes on to say: “Whilst we totally understand that everyone in Kent and across the country is dealing with the impact of the cost of living increases, these impacts are equally affecting the Council, presenting us with significant financial challenges.”

Cuts to waste services have already been implemented, and other services will undoubtedly be cut, too.

Council Tax increases have been suggested by KCC as a measure to meet demands, though further savings will still need to be made to further reduce spending.

Local councils could soon charge second homeowners a 100 per cent premium on second homes come April 2024, if the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill, which is currently at the report stage in the House of Lords, receives royal assent.

In Tunbridge Wells, there were currently 290 second homes to which this double Council Tax bill would apply. Properties that have been empty for at least one year will also face the 100 per cent premium. Despite the extra income generated from Council Tax hikes, cuts to services are also on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s agenda.

KCC wishes to seek Kent residents’ views on increasing Council Tax, prioritisation of resources, and ideas for how to make further savings.

You can read the Budget Consultation in full and give your view here: letstalk.kent. gov.uk/budget-consultation-2024-25

ARCADE HIRE: The empty units in Ely Court and (inset) an Eat Italiano market stall

NEWS IN BRIEF Sunak discusses Kent issues on local radio

PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak used an interview with BBC Radio Kent last weekend (July 29) to slam the Labour Party and position himself on Kent issues.

Mr Sunak said: “I just don’t think it’s fair that British taxpayers are forking out billions of pounds to house illegal migrants in hotels. The people of Kent probably know better than anyone how important it is that the government grips this problem and does something about it.”

Mr Sunak also criticised London’s Labour mayor, Sadiq Khan, the Labour Party and leader Sir Keir Starmer over the expansion of London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which borders parts of Kent and could affect commuters to London.

Kent County Council leader Roger Gough has formally asked Mr Khan to reverse the expansion.

Drivers of non-compliant vehicles –generally older and diesel vehicles –will have to pay £12.50 a day to drive within the ULEZ.

Parents fear vape shops target children

By Grace Corcoran and Lilly Croucher

PARENTS are calling for “urgent action” over concerns that more children will be encouraged to take up vaping following the opening of a new vape shop in Tunbridge Wells, just a short distance from a local secondary school.

The new shop opening in London Road, Southborough, is less than a five-minute walk from St Gregory’s Catholic School and en route for many children walking to schools in the St John’s area.

Vaping among teenagers has risen dramatically over the past year, with a 50 per cent increase year-on-year in children experimenting with vaping. Recent NHS figures showed that nine per cent of 11 to 15-year-old children had used e-cigarettes.

One parent, whose child goes to a secondary school in the St John’s area, said they are “disappointed” that the vape shop had been allowed and wants to see the marketing of vapes to children stopped.

They told the Times: “I was so disappointed to see that the local council and a local landlord has allowed a vape shop to be opened literally on the school route for thousands of school children to pass every day.”

“As the parent of a teenager who does vape, I’m doing my very best to discourage them, but I’m up against a marketing tsunami aimed directly at the age group that, ironically, it’s illegal to directly sell to.”

Teachers accept pay offer and end strikes

Every major teaching union in the country has now accepted the government’s offer of a 6.5 per cent pay rise and voted to end strikes.

The National Education Union (NEU) said 86 per cent of its teacher members in England who took part in an electronic ballot voted to accept the progress made in the pay dispute and call off industrial action, with a 60 per cent turnout. It follows eight days of strike action by members in state schools in England since February.

Four education unions had been considering further walkouts in the autumn term, but their General Secretaries recommended members accept the 6.5 per cent pay rise for teachers in England offered earlier this month.

Council slates toilets for closure or transfer

THREE public toilets have been identified for closure or transfer to parish and town councils, in a bid to save Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) up to £48,000 a year, plus maintenance costs.

Crescent Road conveniences cost about £23,000 annually and require “costly maintenance works”. All decisions are subject to “call in” by August 4.

The most popular vape brand among children, the ‘Elf Bar’, offers a range of vapes arguably targeted at the younger market with bold, colourful packaging and appealing, fruity flavours such as ‘Pink Lemonade’, ‘Watermelon’ and ‘Blueberry Sour’.

Originally sold as an effective means to helping tobacco smokers quit, evidence shows that since 2020, vaping amongst those who have never smoked is more common in children than adults.

Prohibit

When asked about a vape shop opening less than a kilometre from a school, Trading Standards told the Times that they cannot prohibit a vape shop from opening in a particular location and that there are “no restrictions” on any business that wishes to set up a vape shop.

However, Kent County Council (KCC) has called on the Government to ban disposable vapes, over fears of their impact on children and the environment.

County Cllr Mark Hood (Green) for Tonbridge said: “I am delighted that the County Council has recognised the threat posed by disposable vapes to public health, especially to children and to our

environment. It is illegal to sell vapes to those under 18.

“Nothing less than a complete ban will resolve this problem.”

Mr Edward Wesson, Headmaster of The Skinners’ School on St. John’s Road told the Times: “Selling vapes to under-18s is illegal, so if all shops were prepared to follow the law, and then authorities were prepared to enforce it, the issue of vaping among teenagers would not be endemic.

“If locally we can be supported by the Borough Council and the police to control how young people get to buy vapes, and I am sure we can, then the issue will be at least mitigated.”

The concern is not limited to the sale of vapes to young people. The environmental damage and littering of vapes, which contain flammable lithium-ion batteries, is a deep concern among many.

Research shows that 1.3 million disposable vapes are discarded each week – enough to fill 22 football pitches each year.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service Station Manager Alan Standing said that the batteries inside vapes pose a “serious fire risk if not disposed of correctly”.

In the UK, batteries disposed of incorrectly caused more than 700 fires in bin lorries and recycling centres.

Leonie Barker, of Southborough SOS, which helps keep the streets of the area clean, described the vape-litter along St John’s Road and London Road. She said: “We lose count of what we pick up, it’s endless. They are literally everywhere, thrown from car windows, shoved in hedges or discarded in woodland.”

To report illicit vapes or under-age sales to Kent Trading Standards, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Work on ABC Cinema site to begin in ‘early 2024’

Continued from front page

The ‘later living’ village is expected to also include retail space, restaurants, a café, an outdoor courtyard, and leisure facilities, complete with a pool, gym, and spa.

In the latest application, the developers revealed that they are hoping to add one extra apartment on the upper ground floor, make some “minor changes” to the building’s exterior characteristics and install new commercial facilities, including a soft play area, beauty salons and drinking establishments.

Artwork

In a welcome move for the local community, RVG also revealed that new hoardings surrounding the site would be installed in the next few months, depicting artwork created by local children. Pupils from Bishops Down Primary School, St Barnabas’ Primary School, The Wells Free School, and Temple Grove Academy have been creating dynamic illustrations of inspirational older adults from the town to feature on RVG’s new hoardings, which will surround the site until the end of construction.

The schoolchildren created the drawings at workshops organised by Trinity

BRIGHT FUTURE: How Thrive Living will look, and (right) local children create artwork for the hoardings

Theatre’s Creative Engagement team, which RVG has announced as their community partner for this year as they strive to support arts and culture in Tunbridge Wells.

Nick Mowat, Chief Executive of Trinity Theatre said: “Trinity is thrilled to welcome Thrive Living to Tunbridge Wells as our new neighbours and partners.

“We are really looking forward to collaborating with them on exciting projects in the future.”

RVG said: “We’ve been preparing exciting plans for community artwork to be installed on our site hoardings.

“These will celebrate the older generation in Tunbridge Wells through the eyes of young people, as we start positive conversations about ageing in Tunbridge

Wells and start building a vibrant and connected community for people over 65, with attractive spaces and facilities open to the wider public on this long-neglected site.”

Ahead of its construction, RVG said it will continue to notify the public of its latest developments.

“We’ve also started to update residents and businesses on our activities with local schools in our community newsletter and look forward to more regular engagement with our neighbours as we approach construction starting next year.

“We encourage anyone with an interest in our site to visit the news tab of our website by [visiting] tunbridge-wells. retirementvillages.co.uk and signing up for updates.”

VAPOUR TRAIL: Disposable vapes collected by Southborough SAS

LOCAL ISSUES: Rishi Sunak with BBC Radio Kent’s Michael Keohan

Protesters rally against HGVs using cut-through

By Lilly Croucher

LORRIES using an illegal diversion through a housing estate in Tunbridge Wells sparked a local campaign last week against Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) using the road.

Sherwood residents living near Liptraps Lane are “very unhappy” as a result of massive industrial lorries squeezing down the tight residential street.

Last Wednesday (July 26), councillors and locals came out to protest HGV drivers illegally using the cut-through from the centre of town to the industrial estate and A21.

It’s an issue that Sherwood residents have been enduring for years, but has recently worsened with the new diversions in place for the Pembury Road closure by gas operator SGN.

Campaign leader Cllr Hugo Pound (Labour, Sherwood) last week counted an average of 13 HGVs an hour using the illegal cut-through.

Cllr Pound told the Times: “The campaign to stop HGVs driving up and down here [Liptraps Lane] has been going on for years, so isn’t just about the Pembury Road closure, it is a local issue for Sherwood residents, and they are very unhappy.”

The Labour leader was joined by Cllr Shandi Rogers (Labour) and Sherwood residents with placards that read: “7.5 limit’ and “illegal HGV just filmed”.

The councillors spoke to drivers and took photos of the contravening HGVs, reporting them to Kent Police, who are able to issue HGV drivers with penalty notices of up to £300.

Restrictions on where an HGV can drive are regulated by how heavy the lorry is.

From Liptraps Lane to the end of Sandhurst Road, the weight limit, as displayed on the road signs, is 7.5 tonnes –typically the weight of an ambulance.

However, the lorries using these roads far exceed this weight limit, with the average HGV weighing between 18 and 41 tonnes.

Local MP Greg Clark said in a statement on

Twitter: “In the diversion route through Liptrap Lane, HGVs have been using that route when they shouldn’t be.

“There are some new signs to warn people against it, but I’ve also spoken to the Police who’ve agreed to look into stepping up enforcement so that we don’t have heavy goods vehicles going through those residential areas.”

Concerns

Inspector Ian Jones, of the Tunbridge Wells Community Safety Unit at Kent Police, said: “We are aware of residents’ concerns about prohibited vehicles using Liptraps Lane and our officers are working with partners to explore opportunities to prevent lorries using this route.

“The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency also has a role in liaising with freight companies and providing guidance to lorry drivers.

“I would urge residents who witness these traffic offences to report [them].”

Incidents can be reported on the Kent Police website using the following link: kent.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/

No free parking for Dunorlan

By Victoria Roberts

THERE will be no free first-hour parking at Dunorlan Park when charges are introduced, Council leaders decided last week, as they weighed the budget against the results of an informal consultation. Meeting last Thursday (July 27), Cabinet members admitted that Lib Dem, Alliance and Labour groups were all “divided” and “split” over proposals to introduce parking charges at the park’s two car parks.

Cllr Justine Rutland said: “The Lib Dem group has tussled with this decision over the past few months, and there has been a lot of discussion and challenge regarding the social, financial and environmental implications.”

However, hearing of the Council’s massive budget deficit for the current financial year, members voted to introduce charges with no free first hour – but with some “mitigations” to prevent parking spilling on to nearby roads, and to consider groups

New shopfront for BID office

A NEW shopfront on the High Street is part of a campaign of local and internationalfacing promotion to bring more visitors into Tunbridge Wells.

The majority of the increased HGV traffic has been caused by the closure of Pembury Road, with diversion routes being ignored by lorry drivers.

Dan Brown, a spokesman for gas company SGN, said: “It’s important that vehicles follow the appropriate signed diversion routes while carrying out essential work to our gas pipes to help minimise disruption to the community.

“We’ve liaised with the local authority and arranged for additional signage instructing HGVs to use the correct diversion while we complete our work in Pembury Road.

“HGVs should use the diversion route via A264 Calverley Road, A264 Crescent Road, A264 Church Road, A26 London Road, A26 St John’s Road, A26 London Road, A26 Quarry Hill Road, A2014 Pembury Road and A21 Pembury Bypass.”

Although the RTW Together Business Improvement District (BID) office opened last year next to the Geography wine bar on the High Street, scaffolding had prevented the organisation from making visible changes.

Despite this, the office is fully-open for business, said Alex Green, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the levy-funded organisation. “As soon as we could, we got something in place.

Advertising

“It’s also a transparency measure, showing people we’re here,” he told the Times.

The organisation has been keen to keep the town’s ‘shopfront’ open, alongside a multi-media advertising campaign that focuses on hospitality, heritage, shopping and entertainment – to keep people shopping locally while bringing in tourists from further afield.

Based on data from Visit Kent, showing that tourists come from both the UK and abroad, the ‘Rediscover Tunbridge Wells’ campaign has been broad-based in its approach.

such as Blue Badge holders and park volunteers.

Half the respondees to last year’s consultation had used the comments box to say charges should be ‘£0’, and the survey had been criticised for not including that answer as an option. However, Cllr Chris Hall, who holds the portfolio for finance, told the room: “When we considered the options at the CAB (Finance Cabinet Advisory Board), I don’t think not-charging is a realistic option.

Resourceful

“Ideally we wouldn’t want to introduce car parking charges, but we do need to be resourceful and find ways to fund our parks to the standard that we’ve all been used to, and that cost is only going to escalate.”

Council officers told the meeting that Dunorlan Park’s maintenance contract cost £175,000 this year, while inflation-based “indexation” of the contract is “currently”

expected to be around 10 per cent.

Cllr Hall said: “Although £90,000 a year isn’t going to pay for the parks, it will be a significant contribution to the budget that goes to fund [their] maintenance. I was persuaded we needed to charge.”

Cabinet members approved the parking charges (except for Blue Badge holders), to start from October 16.

There must be a 21-day formal consultation, with local advertising, and Cllrs Hall and Rutland will be responsible for considering responses to before the parking order is made.

A two-month programme of digital and poster advertising at Charing Cross, Waterloo (and Waterloo East) and London Bridge stations has just ended, after running throughout the months of June and July.

However, local residents remain a cornerstone for local businesses, both through shopping, going out locally and hosting friends and family, Mr Green stressed.

“We also know that a lot of our visitors come to see family and friends in the area and so we have created an indispensable, free RTW Guide.”

These are available at the BID office and in restaurants and businesses throughout the business improvement district.

With event listings, as well as information on shopping, bars, hotels, restaurants, cafés and business services, the guide is yet another ‘shop window’ for the businesses whose levies support the BID organisation, according to Mr Green.

STOPPING THE JUGGERNAUTS: Hugo Pound (waving flag and inset) joined Sherwood residents in protesting against HGV lorries

Commons eyesore gets makeover from local artist

By Victoria Roberts

WOODLAND scenes and local butterflies have been restored to the Tunbridge Wells Common with the painting over of a defaced toilet block.

The public convenience behind Wellington Rocks is owned by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, but there had not been the budget to paint over the graffiti, according to the Commons’ General Manager Gemma Stapeley.

“It has been a notorious ‘grot spot’ for years, ruining the beautiful view across Tunbridge Wells Common,” she said. She managed to secure external funding from both the Friends of the Commons and Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, which runs the Business Improvement District

Heritage estate plans solar panel field to power expansion

and covers the area of the Commons.

Local artist Humor, otherwise known as Hugh Whittaker, took on the project, adding a woodland scene complete with native butterflies, which was unveiled last week.

Artistic

The art reflects the results of surveys over the past year by Commons Ranger Dan Colborne, carried out with professionals, volunteers and other members of the community, Ms Stapeley told the Times.

“The native butterflies are peacock, brimstone and purple emperor, which are found on the Commons. All of the data recorded will help in the creation of a new ecological management plan due out at the end of the year.”

By Sarah Carter

A HISTORIC estate on the edge of Langton Green is seeking permission for a field of solar panels to power a projected 54 per cent increase in electricity demand by the heritage building and parkland.

In a planning application filed last week, Broomlands said its current energy use was already a “significant” 13,000 kWh a year, but planned building works, approved last year, would likely increase demand to 20,000 kWh annually.

The estate’s main house is from the Regency era and is surrounded by 21 acres of parkland which have been returned to agricultural use.

The planned works include the addition of an outdoor swimming pool, part conversion

of stables to habitable living space, a two-storey side extension to the main dwelling, landscaping and other alterations.

“We are therefore proposing 68 panels to generate an estimated 25,000 kWH of energy per year to satisfy the predicted energy demand and also provide some additional future proofing for an electric car and additional demand,” said the application.

“When combined with a battery back-up, this will enable the estate to significantly reduce its operating costs and operational carbon use throughout the year.”

The proposed solar panels would occupy a total of 120 m2 in a field which is screened from the main house by trees. The rest of the field will still be left for sheep grazing.

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SUN SPOT: The red arrow indicates the position of the planned solar panel field

Gold medal Special Olympian visits No. 10

By Lilly Croucher

A HOCKEY player from Tunbridge Wells was invited to Downing Street by the Prime Minister in recognition of her achieving gold for Great Britain at the 2023 Special Olympic World Games in June.

Ellen Greenall and members of the GB Hockey Team attended a celebratory garden party at 10 Downing Street to recognise their fantastic achievement.

The afternoon was attended by volunteers, support staff, corporate sponsors, families, and the Team Special Olympic GB athletes who won a staggering 137 medals and 47 ribbons at the Games, which were held in Berlin.

The team had the chance to meet Lord Stephen Parkinson of Whitley Bay, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport, as well as Helen Cook, the Deputy Director of the Prime Minister’s Policy Unit.

Medals

Ellen who has epilepsy, autism, a learning disability and is partially sighted, enjoyed the afternoon with her team.

She said: “I was lucky enough to go to 10 Downing Street with my hockey team and lots of other Special Olympics athletes.

“We had a BBQ in the garden and met a minister for sport who was very impressed with our medals.”

Ellen has been a member of the Flyerz section of the Tunbridge Wells Hockey

Team since 2018, which allows those with physical and learning disabilities the opportunity to get involved in sport.

In Berlin, Ellen played centre-stage as a midfielder for the GB hockey side who beat Bulgaria in a heated final, which ended 4-2 to Great Britain.

Ellen’s mum, Michelle Greenall, who went with the team to London said: “The staff at Number 10 were very welcoming and interested in the athletes and their achievements.

“Let’s hope this is the start of more recognition for those with intellectual disabilities who want to be given the opportunity to play an equal role in sport

Grassroots women’s football teams compete for ‘World Cup’ funds

TUNBRIDGE Wells leisure centre operator

Fusion Lifestyle is kicking off a competition for grassroots women’s football teams to win kit or support.

With the 2023 Women’s World Cup inspiring female footballers, the sports, leisure, and fitness charity has launched a local competition to offer teams funds toward shirt sponsorship, pitch hire, equipment or other kit.

and society.”

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: “The strength and ability of these athletes is inspiring, and I am proud that No.10 hosted Team GB as we celebrate their incredible success at the recent Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.

Confidence

“Sport is one of the best ways to bring people together, breaking down barriers to opportunity, building relationships and growing confidence, and the work of the Special Olympics Committee and Special Olympics GB is making a huge difference.”

Fusion Lifestyle runs Tunbridge Wells and Putlands Sport & Leisure Centres. Nominations remain open for as long as England remains in the tournament, and after each England win, Fusion Lifestyle will announce a winner – with £500 available each time, a spokesperson explained.

Teams can fill out the form at: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3QBT7SS, with details of their club and why they should win the funding.

Anthony Cawley, Fusion Lifestyle CEO, said: “Much like the rest of the nation, Fusion is behind the England team this summer, and to show our support, we’ve created an initiative that will encourage young women to start or keep playing the beautiful game.”

One-minute guide: The Pantiles Antiques and Vintage Fair

What: A friendly Antiques and Vintage fair with around 50 fantastic outdoor stalls. A real mixture of items, including Art Deco, vintage, mid-Century, Victorian silver, jewellery, Art Nouveau, vintage clothing, 17th-20th century, paintings, furniture, kitchenware and much, much more. This, coupled with a wide spectrum of pricing, means that there is always something to suit everyone’s pocket.

Where: The Upper and Lower Pantiles

When: This Saturday 5th August (10.30am to 5.00pm) and Sunday 6th August (10.30am to 4.00pm)

What else do I need to know?: If you like to pace your shopping, you can take a well-earned break from the antiques hunt to treat yourself to a lovely lunch or coffee at one of the fantastic cafes and restaurants that line the Pantiles, including the famous Tunbridge Wells Hotel which offers a wide range of breakfasts and lunches using the finest produce Kent and Sussex has to offer.

Can I get my antiques valued?: Yes, there will be several celebrity TV antique experts, such as the ever-knowledgable Eric Knowles, on hand to appraise your heirlooms.

What else is there?: There are lots of other amazing shops to explore, both on the Lower and Upper Pantiles. The fabulous Pantiles Arcade will also be open, home to

some of the finest antiques and decorative art available.

Insider’s Tip: Always go around the fair twice, you will always see something new you may have missed the first time around.

The Pantiles Antiques and Vintage Fair, Saturday 5th August and Sunday 6th August, The Pantiles. Royal Tunbridge Wells. Web: www.lovefairs.com Tel: 01293 690777

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MEDAL WINNERS:

Ellen with her teammates in Downing Street

Womenswear shop up for prestigious industry award

By Grace Corcoran

FASHION boutique Kitch on Tunbridge Wells’ High Street has been shortlisted in Drapers Independent Awards 2023.

Kitch has been nominated for Best Customer Experience, Best Use of Social Media and is also hoping to scoop the coveted Womenswear Independent of the Year 2023.

Last year’s winner of the Womenswear Independent Award, bod & ted, is also based on the High Street.

Kitch, known for its must-have bold, bright pieces from various eclectic brands, was opened 18 years ago by Charlotte Newman.

On its Instagram, Kitch has thanked

Drapers for the recognition:

“It is an honour to be shortlisted for the Drapers awards and it is something we are incredibly proud of! We want to thank our amazing and loyal customers for all your continued support over the past 18 years”.

Established in 1887, Drapers is a leading business-to-business magazine in the fashion retail sector. The awards will “recognise the fashion retailers and brands that have innovated to survive, supported their local communities, and built stronger businesses under the toughest of circumstances”.

The winners of each award will be announced on September 21 at Grosvenor House, London.

London firm acquires local insurance brokers

LEADING UK broking group the Jensten Group has acquired a local specialist firm in a deal covering 44 staff and 2,300 clients, for an undisclosed sum.

Darwin Clayton (UK) Ltd and Darwin Clayton Partner Brokers are based at Mount Ephraim in Tunbridge Wells, with another office in Nottingham.

The firm manages a range of schemes, providing insurance solutions for sectors including cleaning, security, facilities management, and electrical contracting.

The current Darwin Clayton CEO Simon Henderson is to continue developing business, including new affinity schemes, while reporting to the managing director of Jensten Retail, Rob Organ.

Mr Henderson said: “We wanted to join a group where our specialisms, staff and expertise would be valued, and where we’d be supported to continue growing the business and delivering for both clients and our partner brokers.”

Pub and castle win in national awards

TWO local businesses were celebrating success last week, after winning national lifestyle awards from the popular website Muddy Stilettos.

The Bell in Ticehurst, Wadhurst was named the Best Destination Pub, while Hever Castle & Gardens was named as

the Best Family attraction.

Covering 28 counties across the country, the family and lifestyle website is a directory, event guide and community all-in-one, with regional editors ensuring that the content is produced close to where their users and followers live.

HIGH KITCH: The fashion boutique is situated on the High Street

Honorary degree awarded to Kent business leader

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Each month Thomson Snell & Passmore will be answering frequently asked questions from across the practice. If you have a legal question you would like featured in this monthly Q&A please submit it to info@ts-p.

Fiona Higgott, Partner in the Wills, Estate & Tax Planning team at Thomson Snell & Passmore answers questions about Lasting Powers of Attorney.

What are the different types of Lasting Power of Attorney?

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) come in two varieties – one deals with property and financial issues and the other deals with medical and care issues (and is known as a health and welfare LPA).

Under a property and financial affairs LPA, your attorneys can make decisions on your behalf such as buying and selling property, opening and closing bank accounts, dealing with your investments, managing your day to day finances, and claiming benefits and pensions. This type of LPA can be used at any time, even if you still have capacity. In those circumstances, however, it would be used by your attorneys at your direction. A health and welfare LPA can only be used if you have lost capacity to make health and welfare related decisions. It enables your attorneys to make decisions about where you should live, the type of care you receive and day-to-matters such as your daily routine, diet, visitors and the social activities which you participate in.

By Victoria Roberts

A RETIRING regional business leader has capped her 15 years at the head of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce with an honorary doctorate.

The University of Kent named Jo James a Doctor of Science in a graduation ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral, recognising her contributions to the local and regional economy, as well as her dedication to equipping young people for the world of work.

The new Dr James is to step down in December after 33 years at the Chamber of Commerce, including 15 as Chief Executive.

She has also previously chaired the judging panel of the Times Business Awards, identifying and acknowledging corporate and individual contributions to the local economy.

Speaking after the ceremony, Dr James said: “It was an honour to receive the award and great to see so many young people setting out on their careers.

“Some of the students will have come to Kent to

continue their education, others will already have lived here, but I would urge them all to look at what Kent has to offer as a fantastic county with lots of opportunities.

“We have a fantastically diverse business community and with their knowledge and drive, they can help it become even greater.

Support

“While it might have been me on stage, a big thank you must go to every member of the team at Kent Invicta and our patrons and partners, without whom we wouldn’t be able to support individual businesses and Kent’s economy.”

She received her honorary degree from the Chancellor, former Newsnight presenter and author, Gavin Esler, along with 14 other individuals, including the four members of the Russian punk collective Pussy Riot, former England cricket captain and commentator David Gower, musician and educator Chi-chi Nwanoku and the comedian Josie Long.

Gold star for railway apprentice programme

By Sarah Carter

SOUTHEASTERN has achieved the ‘gold standard’ as an employer for its apprenticeship programme, its third top score by Investors in People.

Underlining the popularity of the apprenticeship programme, a spokesperson told the Times there was no space in the next apprenticeship intake for train drivers.

“In terms of deadlines for apprenticeships, the September ones are all now full,” she said.

“For train drivers, I expect this to be open in the New Year.”

However, the company is currently running advertisements for Railway Enforcement Officers in Tonbridge, and for Trainee Train Conductors and Shunter Drivers in Ashford – all of which are apprenticeships, she added.

Southeastern was also listed at number 68 in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, a list produced

ON TRACK: Southeastern’s apprenticeship progranme gets the gold standard

annually by the Department for Education in partnership with High Fliers Research. For more information about Southeastern’s apprenticeship programme, visit: jobs. southeasternrailway.co.uk

You can create both types of LPA or just one type and not the other. Ensuring an LPA is in place will mean that decisions can be made quickly and by someone you trust if you ever lose capacity.

You need to appoint at least one attorney and up to a maximum of four. If you choose more than one, you will need to decide whether you want your attorneys always to act together (a joint appointment) or whether they can also act separately (a joint and several appointment). A joint several appointment is the most flexible option. You can also choose to appoint a replacement attorney or attorneys if your first choice is unable to act for any reason.

You can apply conditions and restrictions on the use of the LPA and can also include guidance as to how you would expect your attorney to act.

How does someone go about creating LPAs?

LPAs can be created either by going to see a solicitor or by using the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) website. Whilst the OPG website avoids paying any legal fees, it simply allows the forms to be drafted and does not provide detailed guidance, such as how best to appoint attorneys in your specific circumstances, and it does not in any way check the forms to make sure that they are capable of being registered or to make sure that there are no problems that might arise in the future. For this reason, it is usually better to speak to a solicitor.

What are the key responsibilities and duties of an individual who has been appointed under an LPA?

Where someone is appointed as an attorney, they must always act in the best interests of the donor. In particular, this means keeping the donor’s money separate from their own, making sure that they keep appropriate records and accounts relating to the steps or actions that they take, and complying with the Code of Conduct introduced by the Mental Capacity Act. Attorneys also have to be careful not to overstep their authority as there are certain things which attorneys cannot do. For example, if an attorney wants to make a lifetime gift out of the donor’s assets, borrow money from the donor, or act in a way in which a conflict of interest might arise (amongst other things), the attorney may well need to apply to the Court of Protection to obtain permission first.

DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE:

University of Kent’s Chancellor Gavin Esler presents Jo James with her honorary degree

Death and devastation as Typhoon Doksuri brings the heaviest rain in a decade to China’s capital

AT least 20 people have died and a further 27 are missing after flooding in Beijing in the aftermath of Typhoon Doksuri.

Typhoon Doksuri caused flooding in Beijing for the fourth straight day on Tuesday August 1, after leaving devastation in the Philippines and Taiwan, where at least a dozen people were killed.

More than 50,000 people in Beijing have been evacuated so far, according to Chinese state media.

Evacuated

State broadcaster CCTV said authorities closed train stations on Tuesday August 1 and evacuated people from vulnerable communities to school gyms after days of heavy rain.

Homes have been flooded, roads torn apart and cars piled into stacks.

River levels have risen to alarming levels, causing the city to use a flood storage reservoir built 25 years ago for the first time.

According to China’s Meteorological Bureau, Beijing recorded around 6.7 inches of rainfall between Saturday night and Monday afternoon. This amount is usually what the city would typically expect for the entire month of July.

Extreme weather has China’s capital in its grip – the past two months has seen Beijing experience a blistering heatwave,

where the temperature in June reached highs of 41C.

Flooding in other parts of northern China, which rarely see such large amounts of rain have led to scores of deaths.

Seasonal flooding hits large parts of China every summer, particularly in the semitropical south, but some northern regions have reported the worst floods in 50 years.

Indicating the level of urgency, President

Xi Jinping issued an order for local governments to go “all out” to rescue those trapped and minimise the loss of life and damage to property.

State media reported that 11 people died and 27 are missing in the mountains to the west of Beijing’s city centre.

Nine other deaths were reported in Hebei province, just outside the metropolis and the source of much of its food and labour.

State broadcaster CCTV said that more than 500,000 people have been impacted by the floods.

In early July, at least 15 people were killed by floods in the southwestern region of Chongqing while 5,590 people in the far northwestern province of Liaoning had to be evacuated.

Trapped

In the central province of Hubei, rainstorms have trapped people in their vehicles and homes.

China’s deadliest and most destructive floods in recent history were in 1998 when 4,150 people died, most of them along the Yangtze River.

In 2021, more than 300 people died in flooding in the central province of Henan when record rainfall inundated the provincial capital of Zhengzhou, turning streets into rushing rivers and flooding at least part of a subway line.

China is bracing itself for the arrival of yet another typhoon, Khanun, the sixth such storm of the year – as it approaches the east coast. Khanun approached Japan’s southwestern island of Okinawa on Tuesday, lashing the region with strong winds and high waves.

The extreme weather seen in China follows devastation caused by floods in the Philippines and wildfires in Europe.

ONE WEEK S UMME R ACTING PROGRAMM E

Featuring Masterclasses led by award-winning playwright Diane Samuels and professional director Joe Harmston.

Location: Assembly Hall Theatre

Dates: 21 – 25 Aug 23

Times: 9.30am – 4.30pm

Ages: 15-18 years old

Price: £25 for the week

Students will work on the award-winning play Kindertransport, written by Diane Samuels, and explore the characters and story, resulting in a rehearsed-reading performance free to friends and family on Friday 25th August at 3.30 pm.

To apply to take part in the project, please email culture@tunbridgewells.gov.uk. The week will cost £25 and this will cover all materials, scripts, lunch and refreshments across the week.

Your email should include your name and age, and a parents/guardian's contact details.

Supported by a

STORM FORCE:

A satellite map shows the extent of Typhoon Doksuri Picture: earthobservatory.nasa.gov

PM insists alcohol duty changes will benefit businesses despite tax hikes

THE Prime Minister has insisted businesses and consumers will benefit from alcohol duty changes implemented yesterday (August 1), despite tax increases affecting some types of drink.

The new system aims to encourage drinkers to cut back by taxing all alcohol based on its strength, rather than the previous categories of wine, beer, spirits, and ciders.

Mr Sunak described the overhaul as “the most radical simplification of alcohol duties for over 140 years”, enabled by Britain’s exit from the EU.

In March’s Budget, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt also announced that the freeze on alcohol duty would end on August 1 and increase by inflation, at 10.1 per cent.

The increase will see consumers pay an extra 53p on a bottle of wine, 90p on a bottle of gin or vodka and £1.50 on a bottle of port.

The Chancellor is cutting the duty charged on draught pints across the UK by 11p, which Mr Sunak hailed as beneficial to

“thousands of businesses across the country”.

However, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said brewers will pay 10.1 per cent more tax on bottles and cans of beer from Tuesday, meaning tax will make up around 30 per cent of the cost of a 500ml bottle.

Despite the draught freeze, the BBPA said the tax increase on packaged beer will add an extra £225 million of costs per year across the industry.

Scotch Whisky Association director of strategy Graeme Littlejohn described the 10.1 per cent duty as a “hammer blow” for distillers and consumers.

The Chancellor said the Government was doing “all we can” to help Britain’s pubs as they face rising costs and said the change taking effect yesterday “catapults us into the 21st century”.

The Treasury has said that more than 38,000 UK pubs will benefit from tax relief that effectively freezes or cuts the alcohol duty on beer poured from taps yesterday.

HIT FOR SIX: Rachel Daly (right) congratulates Lauren James, who yesterday scored twice in the Lionesses’ 6-1 thrashing of China to reach the last 16 at the Women’s World Cup Picture: @Lionesses/Twitter

PINT-SIZED:

Rishi Sunak visiting the Great British Beer Festival at Olympia, in London yesterday

Picture: Daniel Leal/PA Wire

Matthew Scott Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent

Crimes are crimes no matter where they are

SUMMER is here and many of us are out enjoying the beautiful Kent countryside, but some are intent on ruining it too. Rural crime has always been a priority for me. Crime is important no matter where it takes place and this has always been a guiding principle of my Police and Crime Plan. I therefore wanted to update you on some rural matters which have been raised with me in recent months.

Strategy

First, I’m pleased to report that the Chief Constable has added Rural Crime to the Control Strategy. The control strategy is the document that sets out the operational priorities for crime prevention, intelligence and enforcement. It provides the force with a framework to ensure officers and staff focus on the crime types and offenders causing most harm within our communities and presenting most risk to law-abiding residents. This was a key ask of the NFU and I’m pleased this has been listened to. Secondly, the Neighbourhood Policing

Model has now been implemented. This means that every ward will have a named officer and the Chief Constable has said that this will effectively mean having rural beat officers. These changes are already being seen across the county as the phased roll-out of beat officers begins. On top of

this, seven PCSOs will be added to the specialist Rural Crime Taskforce. I have worked with MPs to lobby for greater penalties for fly-tipping. The Government has listened and it means the maximum fine for those caught fly-tipping will rise from £400 to £1,000 and those

who litter or graffiti could be fined up to £500.

On crime reporting, 101 call-waiting times have improved. Call attrition (the numbers who disconnect/hang up without answering) is regularly below 10 per cent now, down from a peak of 55 per cent in October. Average waiting times across the 24-hour period were down to less than three minutes. A long-term plan is being put in place that will see resources focused on the Force Control Room so that the improvements continue in the months ahead. But please remember you can call 999 when life is in danger or when there is a crime in progress, regardless of how serious it is.

Finally, many people have told us that “response policing” was an issue. It was taking too long or there were too few officers to respond to calls quickly.

The Chief Constable has now added 300 officers to Local Policing Teams to deal with emergency calls and I hope that will help improve initial response times to crime and antisocial behaviour.

CreativeTunbridgeWellsPartnership

Creative Tunbridge Wells Programme Manager 12 Month Freelance Contract

20 hours per week- £24,000

Creative Tunbridge Wells is seeking a dynamic and charismatic programme manager, with experience in stakeholder, project, and people management to launch an exciting new partnership and build relationships and connectivity to allow the creative sector in the borough to maximise its economic and social potential.

In addition to co-ordinating research, strategy development and planning you will listen to local and sector specific partners and funders to explore how Creative Tunbridge Wells can continue to grow and evolve.

A copy of the job pack along with details on how to apply can be accessed via the RTW Together website:

www.rtwtogether.com/about

Application deadline 12pm 9 August 2023

Initial questions may be directed to Alex Green, biddirector@rtwtogether.com or Hilary Smith, hilary.smith@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Matthew Scott was first elected the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent in 2016 and re-elected in 2021. He sets policing priorities, commissions services to support victims, sets the Council Tax precept, manages the force’s budget, and holds the Chief Constable to account. He serves as the national PCC Lead for Mental Health, and is Chair of the board for the BlueLight Commercial organisation.

Picture: Shutterstock

And another thing…

This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or you can write to the Editor, Times of Tunbridge Wells, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG

Living side by side

Thank you, Diana Allchorne, for your letter (Times, July 19) about the ongoing badger cull which has now taken half our badgers and left them extinct in some parts of the country.

A different view is held by Dick Bell, (Times, July 26), who seems to believe they should all be culled, mainly because they seem to have eaten a lot of vegetables on his allotment.

This would cause more damage to our fragile ecosystem, as well as destroying an animal that has been here for over half a million years. All for a few vegetables.

Remembering that badgers are protected and it is illegal to harm them, there are things he can do. Different smells deter them, for example olbas oil and citronella. You can install ultrasound. And an organisation called Fox-A-Gone also covers badgers, giving ideas for humane deterrents that will cause no harm to any animals.

As far as hedgehogs are concerned, sadly man has been their downfall. The trend for perfect gardens with decking,

Flippant on badgers

Sad to see a rather flippant response from Dick Bell to the clear and serious letter from Diana Allchorne regarding the badger cull.

Perhaps he should take a lead from the other letter he admired and do some research. Badger-proof barriers can be constructed to protect vegetable plots (see the Badger Trust website) and he should be grateful for the badgers’ consumption of the insects and slugs that would also damage his produce.

Regarding hedgehogs, badgers are not responsible for their demise, humans are. Badgers will eat hedgehogs if they are desperate, but the two species co-existed harmoniously for centuries until we humans wrecked their habitat.

Jane Hutchins

Crowborough

Cheques not fine

I received a fine and decided to pay immediately to get the 50 per cent reduction.

The cheque was returned pinned to a letter saying cheques were not allowed. Surely cheques are legal tender and it is not for a council to decide they are not.

I’m still unclear about the nature of the offence, and would have thought that TWBC should avoid upsetting the population further by being more professional and businesslike by accepting cheques.

John Pickering

Tunbridge Wells

concrete, use of pesticides and no wild areas, has taken hedgehogs’ habitat. And so many are killed on the roads, caught in netting and ponds without any means of escape.

Badgers and hedgehogs do compete in difficult times for similar food. Badgers like to eat up to 200 worms a night. One problem is the amount of development taking the foraging ground of badgers and all wildlife.

We have to learn to live side-by-side with our wildlife. They have as much right to the earth as us and once it has all gone, we will follow.

Valerie Russell

West Kent Badger Group

Lost Tourist Office

Are Tunbridge Wells Council serious about tourism?

When I rang the advised number, 01892 779570, I was told there was no one person heading it up or even responsible for it. If there is, perhaps they could come out of the woodwork and answer the following.

1. Why is there nobody to contact when you ring the advised number, and you cannot be connected to the Tourist Office “…because there is no phone connection” and then a less-thanhelpful “You need to call in and pick up a leaflet”?

Is this ‘first responder’ contact for a substantial town widely known nationally as a popular place to visit?

PEPPY SAYS...

Dear Editor...

2. Why are visitors dropped off by tourist coaches pointed to The Pantiles, then wander around following irrelevant Tourist Office signs – when the Office is nowhere near? (Nobody has bothered to take down the signs since they moved the office! And they put the office at the other end of town [at the Amelia] – a substantial uphill walk from a focal point of your visit).

3. There used to be a toilet at The Pantiles drop-off point, but not now.

In short, from a corporate viewpoint, the visitor gets (1) no interface, (2) misleading directions and (3) no basic facilities at a key assembly point.

Not encouraging when the town is in competition for footfall. Tourism is a major potential source of income for businesses in Tunbridge Wells. It’s a prestige plus for the town as a whole. It’s a good place to visit.

Why, then, does it appear there is such apparent negative complacency?

‘Doctor Fossil’ Crowborough

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

BORING BARBIE BORIS: He used to command attention. Today he offers irrelevant thoughts as a columnist for the Daily Mail. (No political insights or bombshells here.) On Saturday former PM Boris Johnson told of his trip to see that film about a pink plastic doll called Barbie. And what did this former international statesman think of the movie: “It’s a rallying cry for humans to have more babies”. Hold the front page. Not!

TALE OF OUR TIMES: Perched on his bar stool Calverley noticed the young man next to him was down in the dumps. Several ales later it all came out. The guy took to social media one night and ended up chatting to a young woman. Words and explicit pictures were exchanged and the pair joined together in romance. They did not meet or speak again until two months later when she called him: “I’m pregnant and it’s your baby”. He was blown away. “But don’t worry I have talked to my parents and I’m keeping the baby … I don’t want anything from you but thought you should know.” He could have just ended the call but told her: “It’s just as much my baby and I will always support you and the kid whatever happens.” Looking at Calverley he said: “All I have to do now is tell my mum and dad they are going to be grandparents. This has changed my whole life… I have no feelings for the woman … just the baby”. With that he walked into the night and a different life.

Barbie House

I can beat the pink kitchen (Times, July 26)! I’m hoping that the street may take up the challenge and we could have a seaside colourful palette happening!

Paula Cottrell Tunbridge Wells

NHS FIVE STAR: The NHS might be in crisis but when it works, it really works. On Saturday Calverley called the 111 helpline. He had a problem. The 111 operator listened then suggested he get it checked out at a pharmacy and sent him to one half a mile away. She forwarded her possible diagnosis to the chemist. At the pharmacy Calverley was examined and assured it was no big deal and easily sorted. Big relief. All that within one hour.

RETURN TO SENDER: They know Calverley at the Tesco Express. Not because of grocery shopping. More the returns from Management (Mrs C) who does much shopping online. (How many tops and bras can one person try on!) Last visit Calverley asked the shop assistant if they handled many packages going back to the likes of M&S? “Probably 75 per cent of my job is helping people with returns,” she informed him pointing to a huge trolley stacked with parcels. Calverley felt much better about the whole business.

FINAL THOUGHT: Calverley has decided to self-identify as a dinosaur. That means people can no longer admonish him for his views or the way he acts. Problem solved. No more moans please. Be nice. He’ll soon be extinct.

CARTOON BY PEPPY: (Follow her on Twitter @Peppyscott)

Chin, chin dear reader…

Picture: Cohesion Plus

For more details please

Local school receives national recognition for its nurturing values towards pupils

A SCHOOL in Tunbridge Wells is celebrating receiving a National Nurturing Schools Award from Nurture UK.

This special award for St John’s C of E Primary recognises the impact of a nurturing approach across the whole school.

According to a Nurture UK spokesperson this is “evidence of a school’s success in implementing and embedding a nurturing culture that responds to the social, emotional and mental health needs of its pupils, alongside their academic studies”. Particular highlights within the report for St John’s Primary included the staff’s “consistent use of the Six Principles of Nurture, Zones of Regulation” and the use of a “Restorative Approach and Script”.

“The school firmly believes that every child is an individual with different needs and that it is their role to nurture the potential in everyone is therefore highly successful,” a St John’s spokesperson told the Times

Within their report the Nurture UK assessor also noted the school’s “incredibly strong” links with their families, underpinned by the highly-valued work

carried out by Family Liaison Officer. They commented that a highlight of the visit was the interview with pupils who were described as “extremely articulate, knowledgeable and demonstrated a real understanding of nurture”.

“It is clear they have experienced nurture on many levels from many staff,” the Nurture UK assessor said. They particularly singled out the children’s impactful descriptions of nurture.

“They described nurture as, ‘the thing that shows you care about people and they care about you’, and that nurture is ‘someone who scoops you up and makes you feel safe’.”

St John’s Headteacher Dan Turvey was equally pleased, telling the Times: “We are

all delighted to have been awarded a National Nurturing School Award from Nurture UK. During my headship at the school, I have always been immensely humbled by the staff’s dogmatic and effective use of the Six Principles of Nurture, Zones of Regulation and the use of a Restorative Approach and Script.”

Recognition

Mr Turvey explained that the award reflected the hard work of everyone connected to the school. “It is true to say that our schoolchildren experience nurture on many levels from many staff and it is a wonderful accreditation to have received this acclaimed award in recognition of our hard work,” he said.

“We have strived to create a nurturing space in which to learn and grow and I’d like to thank all the children, staff, parents and governors who contributed to this wonderful award and helped us along the way in the application process. We know the school is in a brilliant place going forward to continue to build on the nurturing approach that we value so highly.”

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St John’s Primary School has just been given a National Nurturing Schools Award to acknowledge its exceptional pastoral care. Eileen Leahy discovers how staff are ensuring the wellbeing of each and every one of its pupils…

‘Collectively, we have ensured that every child is an individual with different needs’

FROM THE HEART: The potential in every pupil is nurtured

AFTERNOON TEA

Enjoy sweet and fruity summertime flavours in our beautifully crafted pâtisseries, perfectly accompanied by scrumptious savouries, traditional scones and a delicious selection of teas, coffees, or bubbles.

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Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG

Blink and you’ll miss it: Why some mortgage deals are disappearing

By Vicky Shaw

WITH mortgage rates on the rise, some borrowers are finding that deals are disappearing faster than they can get their hands on them.

Fifty per cent of people who have applied for a mortgage since July last year say they have seen their desired product withdrawn by a lender while they were looking to apply for it, new research has revealed.

Nearly three in 10 (27 per cent) of mortgage customers claim they missed out on a property purchase due to difficulties in getting a mortgage, according to the survey of 2,000 people across the UK and carried out in July 2023, which was commissioned by specialist lender Market Financial Solutions (MFS).

Withdrawn

Financial information website Moneyfactscompare. co.uk says the average ‘shelf-life’ of a mortgage hit a record low of just 12 days this July. This is the lowest average time on the market since its records started nearly 12 years ago.

In July 2022, mortgages were lasting nearly twice this period on the market before being withdrawn from sale, with an average shelf life of 23 days, according to Moneyfacts.

Paresh Raja, CEO of MFS, says: “The base rate continues to rise as the Bank of England struggles in its armwrestle with inflation, and our research underlines how difficult this is making it for people navigating the mortgage market. With products being pulled left, right

and centre, and with uncertainty so prevalent, mortgage customers are struggling to find the financial options they require on the high street.”

People scouring the market may find that a broker can help them to find a suitable mortgage deal. Many lenders recently signed up to a mortgage charter, giving borrowers who are struggling or who may experience difficulties more certainty and consistency over their options.

Under the mortgage charter, lenders will be able to offer borrowers a switch to interest-only payments for six months, and an extension to their mortgage term to reduce their monthly payments, with the option to switch back within six months. Both options can now be offered without an affordability check.

A statement from UK Finance, which represents the Banking and Finance industry, says: “Movements in swap rates – which are used to price fixed-rate mortgages – are outside the control of lenders. When there are changes, lenders may have to pause or withdraw products at short notice both to manage service, and ensure demand does not exceed the funding allocated for the deals on offer.

“Mortgage lenders understand the impact of shortnotice withdrawals on both their customers and mortgage brokers. Whilst changes to products are time critical, mortgage availability remains strong across all LTV bands.”

UK Finance says lenders will honour a formal mortgage acceptance. This is different from a decision in principle, which is what borrowers may receive if they want to know how much they could potentially borrow.

Money-saving ways to garden on a budget

WITH the cost-of-living crisis, rising interest rates and inflation, many gardeners will be wondering how they can save money on their outside space.

Garden expert Mark Lane, who designed the RHS-BBC Morning Live Budget-Friendly Garden at this year’s Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival (July 4-9), offers the following tips on how to be frugal – but still enjoy the best your garden has to offer.

Source budget-friendly outlets

“You can sometimes find savings at DIY stores and supermarkets, but I’d say try to find local nurseries, whose plants and prices may be better than big garden centres,” he says.

Write down your goals

“Make a list of what you want to achieve in the garden. Think about your borders and how far the plants you want will spread, how many you are going to need. Stick to your list at the garden centre – don’t be seduced by all the lovely colours and scents which you’ll find.”

Sow from seed

“A packet of seeds may contain 100 or 1,000 seeds, which is potentially the same amount of plants. Perennials will take a bit longer, but if you sow some annuals in the meantime, you will save money,” Lane advises.

Save on plant food

“Tomato feed is absolutely brilliant, high in potassium and potash – a good all-rounder, and it’s cheap,” he suggests.

Stick to essential tools

“Don’t go mad with tools. You really only need a good spade, a good fork, a hand trowel, a pair of secateurs and a gardening knife. You can do most gardening jobs with those.”

Upcycle décor

Use old bits of furniture, things with drawers in them, or old ladders as a platform for showing your plants, Lane recommends. Old boxes and trays can be used for seed sowing or just for display.

Buy smaller plants

You might have to be patient – smaller plants may not fill your space immediately – but they could ultimately grow into healthier specimens, he says.

Within three years, that little [cheaper] plant from the smaller pot will be healthier and more robust than the one from the three-litre pot would be in that period.”

For those of you in the process of buying or selling your property, it might be intriguing to know how technology helps to make the sales progression run smoothly for both you and your estate agent. Deborah Richards, Managing Partner of award-winning Sales and Lettings agent, Maddisons Residential, gives her insights on how using a great customer relationship management system can help her clients stay better informed.

Over the years, I have sold many, many properties, and before I set up my own estate agency, I am ashamed to admit that I used to wonder what estate agents did all day. Any seller or buyer is desperate for news on how their sale or purchase is progressing, and feel it should be of equal importance to your agent. It’s understandable to be frustrated with a lack of communication.

The reality is that most agents are juggling a huge workload. At any one point I have almost 100 sales in my care, be that preparing to go to market, available, or under offer. That’s 200 buyers and sellers, before you even start to consider related chains. I have completed some demanding jobs in my time, but nothing comes close to working in estate agency! At all times, I want every one of my clients to feel that their sale is as important to me as it is to them.

Technology has made enormous inroads into reducing workloads and streamlining processes, and at Maddisons, we have just taken the huge step of changing the beast that manages our properties for both sales and lettings, as well as our buyer book – our Customer Relationship Management system.

One of the key criteria for our new system was for our clients to be kept as up to date as possible, and they are loving the ability to review all marketing progress at the touch of a button. I already feel a weight being lifted from my shoulders!

There is no doubt that technology can relieve some of the heavy lifting, thereby allowing the Maddisons team to focus on the aspects that technology cannot manage. I believe that there will always be elements within my intense but wonderful industry that require the human touch – clever use of technology enables us to focus our resources on these.

Meet the expert:

Deborah Richards is the founder and Managing Partner of Maddisons

Residential, a leading, award-winning independent Sales and Lettings estate agent based in Tunbridge Wells, offering expert advice and exceptional customer service.

MARK LANE

Picture: Shutterstock

Picture: Ollie Dixon/PA

‘There will be so much creative variety on display at this summer exhibition’

From August 12 to 20 members of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society will be showing their work as part of the annual Summer Exhibition. Eileen Leahy talks to the society’s Chair, Suzy Phillips, about what visitors can expect to enjoy this year…

The Royal Tunbridge Wells Arts Society (RTWAS) was founded in 1933, and since then it has been providing creative inspiration and valuable support for both the professional and amateur creatives of the town.

Its HQ is located at Sussex House at the bottom of The Pantiles, and it is a hub of activity for most of the year, thanks to the numerous workshops and mini-shows it hosts. The highlight, however, is the society’s annual Summer Exhibition, which this year takes place from August 12 to August 20.

Current Chair Suzy Phillips tells me why it’s an event not to be missed: “It may not be the Royal Academy but there will be just as much variety on show at the Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society’s Summer Exhibition.

“Visitors can expect to see delightful colourful landscapes sitting alongside shimmering seascapes, with other gallery walls adorned by contemporary florals.” She adds that the exhibition has been “beautifully curated” to highlight the variety of work by the Society’s members, and that as well as seeing paintings on

display there will also be some creatively crafted textile art to enjoy, too.

“As you enter the doors of Sussex House, you will be immersed in the world of the artists’ imagination. The space will be full of colour, texture, and light,” continues Suzy.

‘Visitors can expect to see delightful colourful landscapes sitting alongside shimmering seascapes with other gallery walls adorned by contemporary florals’

“The Garden Gallery space has been specifically designed to create a sense of calm with its more muted colour scheme, whereas the main gallery has an energetic feel with representational styles sitting alongside modern abstracts.”

The Royal Tunbridge Wells Arts Society’s small but highly influential premises was founded by the Marchioness of Abergavenny some 90 years ago. As well as offering established and fledgling artists

HERVE BLACK

SALLY NORTJERN

Sundays at Salomons

the opportunity to showcase their work on a regular basis, it also provides a chance for fellow creatives to network.

Always looking to the future, Suzy adds that later in the year the RTWAS will be launching a new venture.

“In October we will start a series of monthly Saturday workshops, run by a team of professional artists and covering a range of subjects. We are very excited about this new evolution of the Society,” adds Suzy.

The Summer Exhibition runs from Saturday August 12 to Sunday August 20 from 10.00-4.00 at Sussex House, 61 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TE Email: admin@rtwas.org

CREATIVE ENDEAVOUR: A HISTORY OF THE ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS ARTS SOCIETY

The Royal Tunbridge Wells Arts Society was established in 1933 for artists and would-be artists. As well as officially joining as a member, people with a passion for art can also visit to enjoy open days, exhibitions and talks.

“During the week we aim to grow and stimulate the talents of our artists through workshops, tutorials, demonstrations and practice,” explains RTWAS Chair Suzy Phillips.

“There is a vast array of skills amongst our members, including life drawing, urban sketching, abstraction and pouring acrylic paint for example. Through

Make a note on your calendars for August 6 and August 27, as these special dates will see Head Chef Daniel Yardley and his team serving up sumptuous roast dinners al fresco style on the picturesque terrace. Should the weather take an unpredictable turn, fret not, as the glorious conservatory, boasting floor-to-ceiling views of the 36-acre gardens, will be ready to welcome diners in all its splendour.

To ensure a seamless dining experience amidst the stunning surroundings, guests can conveniently make reservations online at salomons-estate.com, allowing them to secure their preferred dining time and table. Expect a delightful feast of classic favourites, featuring succulent roasted beef

demonstration and experimentation, we explore classical techniques and modern trends. We are now delving into photography as another aspect of art.” RTWAS offers an opportunity for those who are new to drawing and painting or returning after a long gap, to develop their individual style alongside more experienced artists. Members can exhibit their work three times a year at the Society’s regular exhibitions, which provide a chance for an artist’s work to expand and mature.

For more information visit: rtwas.org

or chicken, accompanied by traditional sides such as seasonal vegetables, crispy potatoes, and fluffy Yorkshire puddings. For those with a vegetarian preference, equally enticing options will be available. And to end the meal on a sweet note, diners can look forward to a mouthwatering selection of homemade desserts.

Beyond delicious dishes, conservatory and terrace reservations promise panoramic views of the estate’s rolling 36-acre grounds, expertly tended to by Salomons’ dedicated gardening team.

There’s an array of colourful and lush flowerbeds, winding pathways, and a peaceful lake which can be explored at diners’ leisure after their Sunday lunch.

SALOMONS Estate, an exquisite country manor house nestled in Tunbridge Wells, is inviting visitors to savour a traditional British feast this summer. Throughout August on selected dates, Head Chef Daniel Yardley will treat guests to a delightful Sunday lunch, offering a delectable selection of seasonal dishes to be enjoyed either al fresco on the terrace or in the charming conservatory, surrounded by the picturesque setting of the Victorian mansion and its sprawling gardens. Hidden down the winding country lanes of Southborough, Salomons Estate has

earned its popularity as a go-to destination for those seeking authentic and traditional British dining experiences. Whether you’re relaxing in the meticulously manicured gardens during the warm summer months or seeking warmth and comfort inside The Bistro during colder seasons, Salomons Estate offers an exceptional selection of British classics that cater to all tastes. From the ever-popular afternoon tea to the renowned Sunday lunch, the Estate showcases the finest locally-sourced produce, ensuring every meal is an experience to remember.

IAN STANDING

MARY BRADLEY

Times Chief Reporter Victoria Roberts picks three books for the week

On the bookshelf this week, a dystopian vision of the USA from Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, a 1980s-set psychological thriller by New Zealand author Catherine Chidgey and a zeitgeisty page-turner from Yomi Adegoke that’s soon to be a major TV series…

Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

Published in hardback by Harvill Secker, priced £18.99

Sometimes books can be randomly compared with cultural references for clout, but ‘Chain-Gang All-Stars’ being billed as a mix of ‘Squid Game’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ feels fitting. Set in an alternate America, this enthralling debut follows ‘Chain-Gang All-Stars’: a programme where prisoners fight each other to the death in a bid for freedom, all in front of millions of fans. It gives the prisoners a human face, namely with the main characters – fierce warriors and lovers Loretta Thurwar and Hamara ‘Hurricane Staxxx’ Stacker. It’s a hugely imaginative read – the world-building is masterful – while also making a powerful point about incarceration in America today. With an action-packed plot, as Thurwar hurtles towards freedom, sober points are made throughout, with real statistics about the American prison system woven throughout as footnotes. An unmissable read.

Review by Prudence Wade

Pet by Catherine Chidgey

Published in hardback by Europa Editions, priced £14.99

‘Pet’ is a chilling coming-of-age story set in 1980s New Zealand. It’s 1984, and Justine is caught in the middle of a changing world – her mum recently died of breast cancer, she’s the only child to a struggling single father and hasn’t quite found her place in the world. Teacher Mrs Price has her favourite students who she asks to do little jobs for her. When Mrs Price’s attentions turn to Justine, the girl’s world is rocked once again as her friendships are tested and her home life is turned upside down. Does Justine have the inner strength to embrace her moral compass and make herself heard? Pet is an enthralling pageturner, laced with dark ominous themes, examining both the oppressive racism that was rampant in the 1980s and the far-reaching power of the Catholic church.

Review by Rachel Howdle

The List by Yomi Adegoke

Published in hardback by 4th Estate, priced £14.99

Yomi Adegoke’s debut novel ‘The List’ is being called the book of the summer, and is being co-developed by HBO Max, the BBC and A24 for the screen – so you might want to add this cautionary tale about the good, bad and ugly parts of the internet to your summer reading list. The book follows a high-profile journalist called Ola Olajide, who is set to marry her fiancé Michael in a month’s time. They are the ‘couple goals’ of their social network and seem to have it all. Until one morning, when they both wake up and see a crowdsourced list of sexual abusers online – with Michael’s name on it. The novel takes jaw-dropping twists and turns, infused with cultural references, and attempts to challenge readers about their response to sexual abuse online, and what accountability even means. It feels like a crucial text.

Review by Yolanthe Fawehinmi

Holiday hideaways: Five European islands you’ve probably never heard of

Dodge the crowds on the most popular continental archipelagos by opting for these lesser-known island destinations, says Sarah Marshall

Nothing sums up the joy of holiday disconnection better than a break spent idling on a secret hideaway island. While we’re all familiar with the stars of the Balearics, Canaries and Ionian archipelagos, there are hundreds of specks in the sea that we foolishly overlook.

From a wildlife sanctuary off the coast of Mallorca, to a spectacular wildlife idyll close to Scotland, these islands are beyond extraordinary. So, for a stress-free holiday without the crowds, give these lesserknown escapes a try.

Marettimo, Italy

Sicily is a fabulous destination, but you can do one better. A 30-minute hydrofoil ride from Trapani, three islands in the middle of Europe’s biggest marine reserve make up the idyllic Egadi archipelago.

The best and most remote is traffic-free Marettimo, believed to be Ithaca, the homeland of Greek hero Odysseus. There are only a handful of places to stay – including self-catering apartments at the Marettimo Residence, while fresh lobster and fish are served at local trattorias. As you’d expect, the opportunities for diving and snorkelling are superb – with more than 400 sea caves to explore. On land,

hiking trails lead to the ruins of a Byzantine church and a lighthouse. Wake early to see mouflon sheep and peregrine falcons on trails.

Colonsay, Scotland

Claiming to have the highest number of sunshine hours in the UK, this remote island off the west coast of Scotland is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities to disappear into crowd-free golden dunes.

The corncrake, one of Britain’s rarest birds, is a famous resident, while seabirds such as kittiwakes and fulmars can also be seen. Go fly fishing in the lochs, surf from powdery beaches or play a round of golf.

This is also the smallest island in the world to have its own brewery and distillery – Colonsay Brewery and Wild Thyme Spirits. Stay in a hotel, self-catering accommodation or take advantage of Scottish law to wild camp.

Inisheer, Ireland

Not to be confused with the fictional setting for The Banshees of Inisherin, this tiny fleck off the west coast of Galway Bay is still a wonderful advert for Ireland’s scenery. A combination of all three Aran islands inspired the setting for the

CABRERA, SPAIN

COLONSAY, SCOTLAND

All pictures: Alamy/Pa

Step into De Leite – Belgian craft beer at its best

Alex Greig, founder of Fuggles Beer Café, explores the beers of this world-renowned brewery…

Founder Luc Vermeersch started what became De Leite all the way back in 1997. I love finding new, interesting and not often seen Belgian breweries, and having drunk their beer in Belgium on occasion, it’s great to finally share this fantastic brewery with everyone.

Having always been interested in brewing, baking and anything ‘crafty’, Luc started out with a small, 30-litre brewing kit (alongside a bread oven located in his garden).

Some 10 years later and after lots of time honing his skills on this tiny kit, the brewery became a reality on a commercial scale in 2008, when De Leite was officially born.

Capacity

Over the coming years, the brewery expanded and grew, adding more capacity and better kit, and after several years they started to produce sour – or ‘Cuvee’ –beers after the purchase of their first oak wine barrels. Since then their beers –such as Cuvee Soeur’Ise – have become internationally renowned. Moving forward, the brewery is focused on becoming carbon neutral and is undergoing improvements to help them achieve that goal – from solar panels to using rainwater for beer production.

Located in a town called Oostkamp, just south of Bruges, the brewery offers tours

and tastings (if you happen to be in the area). If you can’t make it, I highly recommend checking out some of the beer and food pairings on their website. Let me know how you get on!

Here are my picks from our recent shipment from De Leite:

Cuvee Soeur’ise – To make this beer they age their Enfant Terriple Triple on sour cherries for six months. This allows the beer to naturally ‘sour’. It then spends another year in the French oak barrels, which softens and matures the beer. The result is a wonderfully fruity and refreshing beer, with a fun tartness to it and depth of flavour thanks to the oak ageing.

Femme Fatale – This Belgian Amber ale, at 6.5%, has some really nice fruity notes, balanced out by the complex malts, which offers a hint of spice finished off with some decent bitterness.

Enfant Terriple – Brewed in the Triple style and at 8.2% this beer is blonde in colour, with a lingering bitterness, all made a bit more moreish by the aroma (think apricots and orangey citrus) and the subtle citrus flavour, which is wellmatched by the complexity of the malts.

Ma, Mere Speciale – I love a Belgian IPA – it’s a great mix of two of my favourite styles. You get the hoppiness, bitterness and fruity notes from an IPA combined with the fun, fruity compounds of Belgian ale yeast. At 6% it hits all the right notes.

THIS AUGUST IN YOUR AREA

SIMPLY DE LEITE-FUL: All of the beers are currently available at Fuggles

Warming up for an exciting summer sale

cataloguing for the August sale, and our lovely 18th-century three-storey former granary saleroom is bursting with interesting, rare and collectable lots.

Provenance

provenance down through his family, and a superb collection of portraits including that of Major General Sir Alexander Bryce (1766-1832).

NICK HALL

As summer hots up, there’s no let up here at Bentley’s Fine Art Auctioneers. No sooner had we packed up and cleared away all the sold items from our July auction, than we were inundated with fabulous fresh consignments for our next sale being held at our Cranbrook saleroom on Saturday August 5.

One of the talking points from July’s sale was of course everyone’s favourite lot – the classic car – a 1948 MG TC 1250, that roared away at £18,500.

Of a much lower horsepower but also in high demand was the Stevenson Brothers ‘Ferrari-themed’ rocking horse that hurdled its pre-sale estimate and galloped away at £5,500.

For those more interested in water sports than horsing around was an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ‘Offshore Diver’ gents wristwatch, that made quite a splash –selling for £8,000.

As I write this we are in the final week of

In the art room we have a superb still life oil painting by Cecil Kennedy (1905-1997) with provenance from the Russell Cotes Gallery exhibition of 1954; a signed Damien Hirst sketch with certificate of authenticity; a rare limited edition etching by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973); a wonderful collection of original drawings by the great Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones (1833-1898) with

The furniture department has been busy collecting, among other things, a pair of cool 1960s recliner ‘Manhattan’ armchairs by Guy Rogers; a greatlooking heavily carved Chinese desk and matching chair; a very decorative mid-century chinoiserie lacquered cocktail cabinet on carved giltwood stand, and some very collectable royal memorabilia – a 1969 Prince Charles Prince of Wales investiture chair. There’s also a houseful of sought-after 1960s light elm Ercol bought from the 1962 Ideal Homes Exhibition which has been with the same owner ever since, as well as lots of fresh-to-market 17th-, 18th-, and 19th-century charming and useful pieces to freshen up your homes. Other cool and rare lots from the various collectors’ departments include a superb equestrian bronze sculpture by Raphael Nannini (1852-1925), a fine quality Chinese enamelled silver filigree card case, gents’ wristwatches by Breitling

and Enicar, a good cellar of fine wines, vintage Port and whisky, various private collections of Chinese porcelain and Asian works of art, and a whole lot more –something for everyone!

Viewing days are August 3 and 4, with the saleroom open on Saturday August 5 from 9.00am (sale starts at 10.00am).

See you there!

View the fully-illustrated catalogue at: bentleysfineartauctioneers.co.uk

Clockwise from left: Gentleman’s 18ct gold Rolex watch – £4,600 + fees. Mid 19th century ‘Grecian’ concert harp – £950 + fees. Robert Kelsey, ‘Sunny beach - Iona’ – £1,900 + fees. Gold and diamond set drop pendant – £4,000 + fees. Henry Weekes, Victorian white marble bust – £1,500 + fees.

In this week’s column for the Times, Nick Hall of Bentley’s previews some of the fascinating treasures coming up in the auction house’s August event…

STILL LIFE BY CECIL KENNEDY

COCKTAIL CABINET

Motoring News

Fewer convertibles for sale

Mini shows off new interior

Lexus launches luxury MPV

The number of convertibles available in the UK has halved

SUMMER is often the time of year when drivers consider a convertible, but buyers might be disappointed to learn that the number of new drop-tops available has more than halved since 2005.

Though the UK is described as the “convertible capital of Europe”, across the 30 most popular car brands in Britain, there are only 24 new convertibles available. This is a sharp 56 per cent fall on the 54 different drop-tops available between 2005 and 2010. Research by online marketplace Car Gurus also showed that convertible car sales reached an 18-year-low in 2022, with just 16,486 cars of this type registered. This represents a sharp fall on the 94,484 new convertibles sold at their peak in 2004.

Vauxhall has been absent from the convertible market since 2018 when it stopped selling its Cascada, while Citroen and Peugeot have both pulled out of the segment in recent years.

Audi, BMW and Mercedes have all significantly cut back on the

number of convertibles they sell, while Mercedes will soon consolidate its C-Class and E-Class Cabriolets into a single product –the CLE.

Decline

Chris Knapman, Editorial Director at Car Gurus UK, said:

“UK motorists’ love affair with convertible cars is well documented. Historically – and despite our variable summers –the UK has generally purchased more convertibles than our European neighbours.

“However, our data shows interest in open-top motoring has been in decline. Reduced choice in new inventory hasn’t helped this as manufacturers have increasingly switched their model lines to crossovers and SUVs, which are rarely available as convertibles. And, while we are seeing the first electric convertibles enter the market, they are still a rare commodity, at least for now.”

Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence

Prohire Group Limited of: Eagle House, Lamberts Road

Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3EHL

is applying for a licence to use: Eagle House, Lamberts Road

Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3EHL as an operating centre for 3 goods vehicles and 1 trailers

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds LS9 6NF stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice.

Representors must, at the same time, send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A guide to making representations is availbale from the Traffic Commissioner’s office

New Lexus LM MPV targets luxury ‘VIP shuttle’ market

LEXUS is expanding its line-up with the introduction of the new LM – a large multi person vehicle (MPV) that aims to transport passengers in as much luxury as possible. An entirely different model from anything Lexus currently sells in the UK, the LM, which has previously been targeted at the Asian markets, is now being introduced to Europe.

Described by Lexus as a “new flagship”, as well as a “luxury mover”, it’s essentially an upmarket MPV that can seat up to seven and aims to appeal to the VIP shuttle market. It rivals the Mercedes V-Class.

The LM comes as standard with a 247bhp 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid, which is the same as what’s available in the Lexus NX and RX. It can be had with front- or four-wheel-drive, with the latter commanding an extra £3,000.

Though revealed earlier in the year at the Shanghai motor show, Lexus has now announced pricing and specifications for

the LM. The range starts from a steep £89,995 – a significant increase over the £73,215 Mercedes charges for its V-Class. Standard equipment is very generous, however, and includes electric front and rear seats, two fixed sunroofs and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

Significant

Above this sits the Takumi, which commands a significant price increase, and costs £112,995. These see the middle row of seats removed, with two power-adjustable chairs installed, including massaging features and folding tray tables.

The Takumi features a huge 48-inch TV screen, which can be split into two separate screens, so passengers can watch different shows, and is operated with smartphone mirroring, or through the HDMI ports.

The new Lexus LM is now on sale, with first deliveries expected in November.